BJP ready to fight Bihar polls with Nitish as CM face
The National Democratic Alliance will contest the assembly polls in Bihar next year under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Deputy Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Samrat Choudhary said on Sunday.
NDA to contest 2025 Bihar assembly polls under CM Nitish, PM Modi: Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary confirmed that the NDA will contest the upcoming 2025 assembly polls under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This announcement dispels speculation arising from Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent ambiguous remarks about the NDA's leadership choice for the Bihar elections.
Youth arrested on the charges of rape of 11-year-old in Bihar
PATNA: Bihar's Araria police on Sunday arrested a youth on the charges of outraging the modesty of an 11-year-old girl while she was going to school on Saturday. The rape survivor has been admitted to a government hospital for treatment. Her condition is stated to be serious. The survivor told the police that the youth lured her under the pretext of dropping her off at school on his motorbike. The youth then drove to a deserted house instead, raping her several times before she fell unconscious. When the girl began to bleed profusely, the rapist panicked and dropped her near Kosi bridge at around 5pm on Saturday. The girl somehow managed to get back home. Initially, she did not disclose the incident to her parents. However, as her condition deteriorated, she informed them. The parents immediately admitted her to a hospital late in the evening. Police said that they have recorded the girl's statement. She identified her neighbour Shahrukh from Azadnagar as the perpetrator. Manish Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of Araria town police station, said that the accused Shahrukh has been arrested and forwarded to jail under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act. The girl is a Class V student at a government school under the Araria town police station. The survivor alleged that the accused threatened her with dire consequences if she revealed the incident either to her parents or lodged any complaint against him at the police station. This was the reason for some delay in registering a formal complaint, the victim's father told the police. Araria Superintendent of Police Amit Ranjan said that further action would be initiated against the accused after the receipt of the medical report of the victim. I have asked the investigating officer to send the girl for medical examination and collect more evidence against the accused, he added.
Bihar's 1.80 lakh-crore investment push: Nodal officers to streamline MoU execution
One nodal officer for every 5 to 10 MoUs will be nominated by the government to bring about ease of doing business, Amrit Lal Meena
Auro Sundram International to invest 250 crore on starch manufacturing plant in Bihar
The annual capacity will be 500 tonnes per day, and the plant will be operational by March 2027
West Bengal, Bihar most impacted by arsenic contamination: Centre tells NGT
Arsenic contamination in West Bengal and Bihar groundwater impacts rice production, prompting NGT to seek remedial measures from Centre
The boy, hailing from Vaishali district in Bihar, was found hanging in his hostel room on Friday. He had been residing at Welcome Prime Hostel for the past eight months to pursue his studies.
Bihar Man Thrashed, Forced To Lick Spit. Cops File Case After Video Goes Viral
A video has gone viral showing a man being tortured by a group of three bullies inside a college campus in Bihar. They thrashed the victim with a stick and a belt, and made him do sit-ups holding his ears, showed the video shot at MSKB College.
Only in Bihar: Mom of three weds lover after 12 years of marriage, ex-husband arranges wedding
In Saharsa, Bihar, a mother of three married her boyfriend after her ex-husband surprisingly arranged their wedding. Following 12 years of marriage, she began a relationship with a father of two. In a remarkable gesture, her husband stepped aside, allowing the couple to formalize their union in a unique ceremony.
Arms, not satyagraha drove British out, says Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar
PATNA: Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Friday said British rulers left India not because of satyagraha, but when they saw arms in native peoples hands and realised that they can go to any extent. The governors claim at a book release function held in Goa, evoked sharp reactions from the Opposition, saying the BJP has been disrespecting the freedom fighters. The video of the governors statement went viral. Arlekar said that the statement of the then MPs of the British parliament can be taken into account to prove this fact. They (MPs) not only mentioned Satyagrah but also referred to the arms struggle, which made the British realize that it was time for them to leave India, he added. Arlekar said that the invaders tried to create a narrative to defend their action against the Indians. He underlined the need to present an accurate account of history. It will help the present generation know the facts about our freedom struggle, he remarked. He added said that the then Indian government also supported Britishers narrative.
Man Thrashed, Forced To Lick Spit. Cops File Case After Video Goes Viral
A video has gone viral showing a man being tortured by a group of three bullies inside a college campus in Bihar. They thrashed the victim with a stick and a belt, and made him do sit-ups holding his ears, showed the video shot at MSKB College.
1,278 turtles rescued by Bhagalpur centre since 20
Saran DM asks civic bodies to ensure cleanliness, arrange toilets in markets
6k litres of liquor seized from truck
Probe begins into recovery of youths body
Gazette notification issued for complete takeover of Bettiah Raj land by Bihar govt
Patna, Dec 21: Decks have been cleared for complete takeover by the Bihar government of about 15,358 acres of land belonging to the erstwhile princely estate of Bettiah Raj, one of the largest zamindari of the state, with the notification to this effect being issued in the Gazette, an official said. The Vesting of Bettiah []
BJP, Congress Clash Over Dalit Votes, Ambedkars Legacy
New Delhi: Behind the ongoing political battle over the alleged insult of B.R. Ambedkar, there appears to be a concerted effort by the BJP and the Congress, along with its India bloc partners, to win over the 17 per cent Dalit votes in the country. Union home minister Amit Shahs remark in the Rajya Sabha gave the Opposition an opportunity to whip up anti-BJP sentiments among the Dalits, the objective is clear the Congress wants to further consolidate the 4 per cent Dalit votes it gained in the last general election over the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. And the BJP seeks to regain the Dalit voteshare it lost. Concerned with the loss of Dalit voteshare in the last Lok Sabha polls as compared to the general election in 2019, the top BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah, came forward to counter the Opposition's allegations of B.R. Ambedkar's insult during the debate on the 75 years of the Constitution. In the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year, the Congress won 20 of the 84 Lok Sabha seats reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, while its allies won 33 seats, taking the total India bloc tally to 53 seats. The BJP, on the other hand, came down to 29 seats in 2024 from its victory in 46 seats in 2019. The NDA overall won 39 SC reserved seats in the 2024 polls. The Congress vote share increased by 4 per cent in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against 16.7 per cent in the 2019 elections. While the ruling BJP got 34.5 per cent of the Dalit votes in 2024 in SC reserved seats, which was 1 per cent less than what it got in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP is working hard to prevent any further cracks in its Dalit vote share as they hold the key to its electoral success in the next years Assembly polls in Delhi and Bihar. The Dalit factor will also play an important role in Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu scheduled in March-April 2026. The Dalits do not follow a similar voting pattern across the country, but, it has been noted, whichever alliance or party received their support had won more seats. Despite having a similar nature of political contest, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar voted differently in the recent Lok Sabha polls. The I.N.D.I.A. bloc won 43 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh out of 80, while the NDA won only 36. In Bihar, the NDA led by the BJP won 30 seats and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc won nine. Amid the sudden spurt of political activity surrounding Dalit hero B.R. Ambedkar, Congress Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja, a veteran Dalit leader, said that the BJP is trying to usurp the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar. She said, The BJP and their founding fathers have always stood against the policies and thoughts of B.R. Ambedkar. Suddenly they have discovered this love for him. BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan said that the Congress believes it is the custodian of Babasaheb's legacy, but it is not true. The Congress opposition to Babasaheb is known to everyone. Their claim to his legacy is unnatural and irrelevant. The Congress is far behind us (the BJP). History and evidence are against them, Paswan said, adding, The BJP government led by Modi has given maximum share and representation to the Dalit community in the last 10 years. Dubbing the ongoing slugfest between the BJP and the Congress over the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar sheer politics, Lok Sabha MP from Nagina and chief of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) Chandra Shekhar said that it is clearly visible that they (the Congress and the BJP) are doing politics over Babasaheb. What do you think is going on here? With an eye on political dividends, they (the BJP and the Congress) are showing themselves as followers of Babasaheb. They are doing politics and people know this, Azad said. Political parties, including both the Congress and the BJP, recognise the sensitivities and importance of the Dalits voters. The BJP not only sought to corner the Opposition, particularly the Congress, over the alleged insult of B.R. Ambedkar, but it also moved fast on the issue of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In 2018, when Yogi Adityanaths Uttar Pradesh government moved to add Ramji to B.R. Ambedkars name in official records, widespread protests broke out. The BJP defended the use of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkars full name, but the move was met with suspicion, as B.R. Ambedkar is the standard in official documents.
Medical college faces shortage of teachers
Property dealer, driver of e-rickshaw shot dead
Dalit Vote Battle Heats Up Between BJP, Congress
New Delhi: Behind the ongoing political battle over the alleged insult of B.R. Ambedkar, there appears to be a concerted effort by the BJP and the Congress, along with its India bloc partners, to win over the 17 per cent Dalit votes in the country. Union home minister Amit Shahs remark in the Rajya Sabha gave the Opposition an opportunity to whip up anti-BJP sentiments among the Dalits, the objective is clear the Congress wants to further consolidate the 4 per cent Dalit votes it gained in the last general election over the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. And the BJP seeks to regain the Dalit voteshare it lost. Concerned with the loss of Dalit voteshare in the last Lok Sabha polls as compared to the general election in 2019, the top BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Shah, came forward to counter the Opposition's allegations of B.R. Ambedkar's insult during the debate on the 75 years of the Constitution. In the Lok Sabha polls held earlier this year, the Congress won 20 of the 84 Lok Sabha seats reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, while its allies won 33 seats, taking the total India bloc tally to 53 seats. The BJP, on the other hand, came down to 29 seats in 2024 from its victory in 46 seats in 2019. The NDA overall won 39 SC reserved seats in the 2024 polls. The Congress vote share increased by 4 per cent in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections against 16.7 per cent in the 2019 elections. While the ruling BJP got 34.5 per cent of the Dalit votes in 2024 in SC reserved seats, which was 1 per cent less than what it got in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The BJP is working hard to prevent any further cracks in its Dalit vote share as they hold the key to its electoral success in the next years Assembly polls in Delhi and Bihar. The Dalit factor will also play an important role in Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu scheduled in March-April 2026. The Dalits do not follow a similar voting pattern across the country, but, it has been noted, whichever alliance or party received their support had won more seats. Despite having a similar nature of political contest, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar voted differently in the recent Lok Sabha polls. The INDIA bloc won 43 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh out of 80, while the NDA won only 36. In Bihar, the NDA led by the BJP won 30 seats and the INDIA bloc won nine. Amid the sudden spurt of political activity surrounding Dalit hero B.R. Ambedkar, Congress Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja, a veteran Dalit leader, said that the BJP is trying to usurp the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar. She said, The BJP and their founding fathers have always stood against the policies and thoughts of B.R. Ambedkar. Suddenly they have discovered this love for him. BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan said that the Congress believes it is the custodian of Babasaheb's legacy, but it is not true. The Congress opposition to Babasaheb is known to everyone. Their claim to his legacy is unnatural and irrelevant. The Congress is far behind us (the BJP). History and evidence are against them, Mr Paswan said, adding, The BJP government led by Mr Modi has given maximum share and representation to the Dalit community in the last 10 years. Dubbing the ongoing slugfest between the BJP and the Congress over the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar sheer politics, Lok Sabha MP from Nagina and chief of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) Chandra Shekhar said that it is clearly visible that they (the Congress and the BJP) are doing politics over Babasaheb. What do you think is going on here? With an eye on political dividends, they (the BJP and the Congress) are showing themselves as followers of Babasaheb. They are doing politics and people know this, Mr Azad said. Political parties, including both the Congress and the BJP, recognise the sensitivities and importance of the Dalits voters. The BJP not only sought to corner the Opposition, particularly the Congress, over the alleged insult of B.R. Ambedkar, but it also moved fast on the issue of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In 2018, when Yogi Adityanaths Uttar Pradesh government moved to add Ramji to B.R. Ambedkars name in official records, widespread protests broke out. The BJP defended the use of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkars full name, but the move was met with suspicion, as B.R. Ambedkar is the standard in official documents.
1 dead, another hurt in Danapur shooting
Two notorious criminals arrested
Nephrology unit to come up at Mahavir Arogya Sansthan
State seeks central funds to tackle air pollution
Liquor seized from truck in Bhojpur
Shah to participate in Prakash Utsav on Jan 6
Three-day Rajgir Mahotsav inaugurated by minister
Nitish NDAs face in state, says JD(U)
Two constable aspirants held for hiring dummy candidates in written exam
Bribery row: Truck owner, woman cop trade charges
Names of 17 recommended for traffic rule violations
Vaishali student dies by suicide in Kota
MoU signed to resume toy train services in Patna zoo
Two arrested for smuggling drugs
Body of youth recovered in Begusarai
Drive to identify kala-azar patients from January 2 in Saran
3 criminals held in Bhagalpurs Naugachhia
In Bihar, libraries as windows to the world
Didi ki Libraries in Bihar, set up by the State government under a World Bank-funded project, offer a range of services to children living in rural areas.Amit Bhelarireports on the way these community libraries are giving children a space to learn, grow, and prepare themselves for competitive examinations, seen as a chance at a life with monetary security
Bhagalpurs Turtle Rescue Centre a sanctuary for protected species
Man found murdered on temple premises in Sheikhpura
Saran civic bodies directed to ensure cleanliness, manage toilets in markets
Probe begins into recovery of missing youths body in Bhagalpur
BIMARU states turn the tables as MF AUMs in smaller states grow faster
The mutual fund AUM in the four states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have grown higher than that of the industry in the last one year, with Uttar Pradesh overtaking Tamil Nadu for the sixth position in the overall ranking
GST Council postpones decision to cut tax on insurance
Jaisalmer: A GST Council meeting on Saturday postponed a decision on reducing taxes on health and life insurance, while the much talked- about GoM recommendation of rate rejig in 148 items was not tabled before the Council. Some members of the Council, chaired by Union Finance Minster Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising her state counterparts, felt that more deliberations were required before a final decision could be arrived at with regard to insurance taxation. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who heads the panel on GoM on insurance, said one more meeting is required to take a call on taxation of group, individual, senior citizen's policies. Some (Council) members said more discussions required. We (GoM) will meet in January again, Chaudhary told reporters here. Besides, the report of the GoM on rate rationalisation, which had recommended tweaks in 148 items, was not tabled before the Council. We will submit the GoM report on rate rationalisation in next meeting of Council, said Chaudhary who is the convenor of the panel. The ongoing Council meeting will also deliberate on bringing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) in Goods and Services Tax fold. Several proposals of Fitment Committee, comprising officials from the Centre and states' GST departments would come up for review before the Council. One of the proposals include cutting taxes on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, to 5 per cent (without input tax credit), from the current 18 per cent (with ITC). It is likely to have proposed a rate hike on sale of used EVs as well as small petrol and diesel vehicles to 18 per cent from the current 12 per cent. This hike would bring used and old smaller cars and EVs at par with old larger vehicles, according to sources. Also, the Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST compensation cess is likely to get a six-month extension till June 2025, to submit their report. The compensation cess regime comes to an end in March 2026, and the GST Council has set up a panel of ministers, under Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, to decide the future course of the cess. The GoM on insurance had recommended exempting insurance premiums paid for term life insurance policies from GST. Also premium paid by senior citizens towards health insurance cover has been proposed to be exempted from the tax. Besides, GST on premiums paid by individuals, other than senior citizens, for health insurance with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh is proposed to be exempted. However, 18 per cent GST will continue on premiums paid for policies with health insurance cover of over Rs 5 lakh. The GST rate rationalisation GoM report, which has suggested rate tweaks in 148 items, was not tabled before the Council and would be taken up in next Council meeting. The GoM earlier this month had arrived at a consensus to hike tax on sin goods, like aerated beverages, cigarettes, tobacco and related products, to 35 per cent from the present 28 per cent. Currently, GST is a four-tier tax structure with slabs at 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent. Luxury and demerit goods are taxed at highest bracket of 28 per cent, while packed food and essential items are at the lowest 5 per cent slab. The GoM had also decided to propose rationalising tax rates on apparel. As per the decision, ready-made garments costing up to Rs 1,500 would attract 5 per cent GST, those between Rs 1,500-10,000 would attract 18 per cent. Garments costing above Rs 10,000 would attract 28 per cent tax. Currently, garments costing up to Rs 1,000 attract 5 per cent GST, while those above that attract 12 per cent. The GoM also proposed hiking GST on shoes above Rs 15,000/pair from 18 per cent to 28 per cent. It also proposed hiking the GST rate on wrist watches above Rs 25,000 from 18 per cent to 28 per cent. The GoM had proposed reducing GST on packaged drinking water of 20 litre and above to 5 per cent from 18 per cent, and reducing tax rate on bicycles costing less than Rs 10,000 to 5 per cent, from 12 per cent. Also, GST on exercise notebooks would be reduced to 5 per cent from 12 per cent.
GST council defers decision on lowering insurance premium rates
JAISALMAR: The 55th GST Council meeting held on Saturday concluded without any major decisions being taken. The much-anticipated decision on reducing GST rates for health and life insurance premiums has been deferred, as the Council believes further discussions are required before moving forward. The Group of Ministers (GoM) on insurance has recommended a complete waiver of GST on premiums paid towards health insurance policies with cover up to Rs 5 lakh. It has also suggested no GST on premiums for term insurance policies. Briefing the media after the meeting, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said, Some members of the Council feel there is a need for more discussion on the issue. Choudhary further informed that the report on rate rationalisation was not presented during the meeting. There are 148 items whose rates have to be decided. The discussion is on, he said, addressing the delay in tabling the rate rationalisation report. Choudhary also heads the GoM on rate rationalisation. Meanwhile, the Council has decided to increase GST on used smaller cars from 12% to 18%.
Indias forest and tree cover increased to 25.17 per cent in 2023
India's total forest and tree cover has increased to 25.17 per cent in 2023 from 24.62 per cent as per the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. The forest cover has minimally increased, compared to tree cover in the country. Meanwhile, first-time trees grown under agroforestry have also been covered. The ISFR 2023 report recorded forest cover and tree cover was 25.17 per cent. The total forest cover was 7,15,342.61 sq km which is 21.76 per cent of the geographical area of the country and the tree cover is 3.41 per cent of the geographical area of the country. With these two, total forest and tree covers are 8,27,356.95 sq km. The scrub area covers 43,622 sq km (1.33 per cent) and the non-forest area covers 24,16,489 sq. km (73.50 per cent). States that added forests and tree covers are Chhattisgarh, UP, Odisha, Rajasthan and Jharkhand and states which reduced its forest and tree covers are MP, Karnataka, Nagaland, Bihar and Tripura. The latest 18th biennial assessment ISFR of Indias forests by the Forest Survey of India was delayed by over a year. It was supposed to be released by last year. The report estimates of growing stock, the extent of trees outside forests, mangrove cover, bamboo resources, and assessment of forest carbon stock. According to the ISFR 2021 report recorded forest cover and tree cover was 24.62 per cent. The total forest cover was 7,13,789 sq km which is 21.71 per cent of the geographical area of the country. Tree cover is 2.91 per cent of the geographical area of the country.
GST Council meets to decide on lower taxes on insurance policies, ATF inclusion
Jaisalmer: The 55th GST Council meeting which is expected to decide on reducing the tax rate on health and life insurance, besides considering rate rejigs on 148 items began here on Saturday. The GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and comprising her state counterparts, is also expected to deliberate on bringing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) into the Goods and Services Tax fold. One of the major items on the agenda of the Council is to decide the GST rate on health and life insurance. A Group of Ministers (GoM) set up by the Council under Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, in its meeting in November had agreed on exempting insurance premiums paid for term life insurance policies from GST. Also, premiums paid by senior citizens toward health insurance coverage have been proposed to be exempted from the tax. Besides, GST on premiums paid by individuals, other than senior citizens, for health insurance with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh is proposed to be exempted. However, 18 per cent GST will continue on premiums paid for policies with health insurance cover of over Rs 5 lakh. A final decision on the insurance taxation under GST is likely on Saturday as most states are in favour of lowering taxes on premiums to give relief to the common man. Several proposals of the Fitment Committee, comprising officials from the Centre and state GST department would come up for review before the Council. One of the proposals include cutting taxes on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, to 5 per cent (without input tax credit), from the current 18 per cent (with ITC). It is likely to have proposed a rate hike on the sale of used EVs as well as small petrol and diesel vehicles to 18 per cent from the current 12 per cent. This hike would bring used and old smaller cars and EVs at par with old larger vehicles, according to sources. Also, the GoM on GST compensation cess is likely to get a six-month extension till June 2025, to submit their report. The compensation cess regime comes to an end in March 2026, and the GST Council has set up a panel of ministers, under Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, to decide the future course of the cess. Another major item before the Council is the GST rate rationalisation panel's report, which has suggested rate tweaks in 148 items. The GoM earlier this month decided to submit before the Council their recommendation to hike tax on sin goods, like aerated beverages, cigarettes, tobacco, and related products, to 35 per cent from the present 28 per cent. The four-tier tax slab of 5, 12, 1,8 and 28 per cent under GST will continue and a new rate of 35 per cent is proposed by the GoM only for sin goods. The GoM also decided to propose rationalising tax rates on apparel. As per the decision, ready-made garments costing up to Rs 1,500 would attract 5 per cent GST, and those between Rs 1,500 to Rs 10,000 would attract 18 per cent. Garments costing above Rs 10,000 would attract 28 per cent tax. Currently, garments costing up to Rs 1,000 attract 5 per cent GST, while those above that attract 12 per cent. The GoM also proposed hiking GST on shoes above Rs 15,000/pair from 18 per cent to 28 per cent. It also proposed hiking the GST rate on wrist watches above Rs 25,000 from 18 per cent to 28 per cent. Some of the low-hanging fruits in the 148 items that the rate rationalisation panel has suggested may be decided in the meeting. But, no major big-ticket rate rationalisation is expected, an official said. Asked about his views on rate rationalisation and whether he is in favour, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said: Taxation system should be more flexible and not be a burden on people. We will present our views. The GoM had proposed reducing GST on packaged drinking water of 20 litre and above to 5 per cent from 18 per cent, and reducing the tax rate on bicycles costing less than Rs 10,000 to 5 per cent, from 12 per cent. Also, GST on exercise notebooks would be reduced to 5 per cent from 12 per cent.
Indias forest, tree cover increased to 25.17 per cent in 2023
NEW DELHI: India's total forest and tree cover has increased to 25.17% in 2023 from 24.62% as per the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. The forest cover has minimally increased compared to tree cover in the country. Meanwhile, first-time trees grown under agroforestry have also been covered. The ISFR 2023 report recorded forest cover and tree cover was 25.17%. The total forest cover was 7,15,342.61 sq km which is 21.76% of the geographical area of the country and the tree cover is 3.41% of the geographical area of the country. With these two, total forest and tree covers are 8,27,356.95 sq km. The scrub area covers 43,622 sq km (1.33%) and the non-forest area covers 24,16,489 sq. km (73.50%). States which added forests and tree covers are Chhattisgarh, UP, Odisha, Rajasthan and Jharkhand and states which reduced their forest and tree covers are MP, Karnataka, Nagaland, Bihar and Tripura. The latest 18th biennial assessment ISFR of Indias forests by the Forest Survey of India was delayed by over a year. It was supposed to be released by last year. The report estimates growing stock, the extent of trees outside forests, mangrove cover, bamboo resources, and assessment of forest carbon stock. According to the ISFR 2021 report recorded forest cover and tree cover was 24.62%. The total forest cover was 7,13,789 sq km which is 21.71% of the geographical area of the country. The Tree cover is 2.91% of the geographical area of the country.
GST Council postpones decision to cut tax on insurance, rate panel defers report submission
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who heads the panel on GoM on insurance, said one more meeting is required to take a call on taxation of group, individual, senior citizens policies
Factory worker from Bihar stabbed to death by Nepalese co-workers in Chennai
A Bihar factory worker, Manjay Paswan, was fatally stabbed by two Nepalese co-workers near Chennai. A prior dispute during a drinking session escalated at work, leading to the stabbing. Police have detained the two Nepalese nationals and are investigating the motive.
Bihar government to provide support for investors in setting up industries: Chief secretary
Prominent companies pledged big ticket investments and outlined major plans in the state at the Bihar Business Connect 2024
War of words between Governor RN Ravi, minister Govi Chezhiaan in V-C search panel row
CHENNAI: The office of Governor RN Ravi on Friday alleged that the statement issued by Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan on Thursday was misleading and a distortion of facts. However, in a rejoinder issued later in the night to Raj Bhavans statement, the minister said it was disheartening to see the governor impeding the functioning of universities by repeating the same arugments he had made earlier. Governors response Raj Bhavans statement on Friday said the minister cited the Supreme Courts judgment in the case of Jagdish Prasad Sharma and others vs. state of Bihar and others, dated July 17, 2013, to justify the non-inclusion of UGC chairpersons nominee, despite the UGC regulations of 2018 mandating the same. However, he pointed out that the latest judgment of the Supreme Court dated October 21, 2022, had held the appointment of a V-C made on the recommendation of a search committee constituted contrary to UGC regulations to be void ab initio, adding that the Apex Court had rejected the argument that the state legislation shall prevail unless UGC regulations are specifically adopted by the respective state. UGC rules not binding: Min In reply, Chezhiaan said Raj Bhavans statement had nothing, except revealing the governors ulterior motive to include the UGC chairpersons nominees in the search committees. The minister stated that the government was concerned that such interventions would jeopardise the future of students. He reiterated the governments stance that the search committees were constituted as per the Acts that govern the universities and relevant government orders that clearly state that UGC regulations are not binding with respect to formation of these committees. Stating that the Centre was reducing the grants for state-run universities every year, the minister asked why the governor has not taken measures to get more funds from UGC instead of just being keen on including the UGCs nominees in the search committees.
Shreyas Talpade 'Happy' As Emergency Gets CBFC Nod, Says 'Kangana Made It With A Lot Of Passion'
Shreyas Talpade plays the role of the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Emergency, which will now be released in theatres on January 17.
Parliament session ends, discord doesnt
NEW DELHI: The winter session of Parliament, which saw unprecedented clashes between the Opposition and the ruling BJP, came to a close on Friday with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar cautioning the members to maintain dignity and decorum of the Houses. Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die amid protests by the Opposition and treasury benches over the alleged insult to B R Ambedkar and directions by Speaker Om Birla to members against holding protests at any gate of Parliament. While Lok Sabhas productivity was 57.87% in 20 days, passing four bills, the corresponding figure for the Rajya Sabha was 40.03% in 19 days and the passage of three bills. The session may perhaps go down in parliamentary history for setting a grim record for several reasons from an ugly scuffle and a no-trust motion against Dhankhar to a bitter discourse on Constitution and daily disruption of proceedings by both sides. The highlight of the session a two-day debate on the 75th year of Constitution snowballed into a major confrontation between the BJP and the Congress over Union home minister Amit Shahs comment on Ambedkar. During his speech on the Constitution, he said, It has become the new fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Had they chanted Gods name as many times, they would have found a place in heaven. The scuffle outside Parliament led to an FIR against Rahul Gandhi after the BJP filed assault charges against him. With both the Congress and the BJP escalating the issue outside Parliament, it is bound to gain more traction and dominate the narrative in the forthcoming Delhi and Bihar assembly elections. Special police team for rahul case A special team of the Delhi Police is expected to take over the probe into the FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi for allegedly assaulting BJP MPs, sources said. Given the conflicting claims, the team plans to call MPs present during the scuffle to piece together the sequence of events. The police will examine CCTV footage and speak to the injured MPs | P9
16-yr-old Bihar student found hanging from fan in Kota, 17th since Jan
Kota: A 16-year-old boy from Bihar preparing for IIT-JEE was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his hostel room in a case of suicide in in the Vigyan Nagar police station area of Kota city on Friday, officials said. The incident occurred despite the fan in hostel room being equipped with anti-hanging device meant Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Hosp walls turned into canvases of healing
AAP to expose BJP by taking Nadda speech to Purvanchalis
After Sanjay Singh, Kejriwal accuses BJP chief of calling people from Purvanchal Bangladeshis and Rohingya; BJP says AAP chief opposed free treatment for people from Bihar in the past, and the L-G had to revoke the ban after opposition
16-Year-Old JEE Student From Bihar Found Hanging From Fan In Kota: Police
A 16-year-old boy from Bihar preparing for IIT-JEE was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his hostel room in the Vigyan Nagar police station area of Kota city on Friday, officials said.
SSB removed 1,100 encroachments in No Man's Land: Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah lauded SSB's efforts in removing over 1,100 encroachments while maintaining India-Nepal ties. SSB freed thousands of acres of government land. The force secured borders with Nepal and Bhutan. SSB also combated Naxalism in Bihar and Jharkhand. Their presence in the Siliguri corridor ensures national safety. Shah urged SSB to curb anti-national border activities.
Adani plans to invest Rs 20,000 cr to set up a power plant in Bihar
Adani Power is considering a 20,000 crore investment in a Bihar ultra-supercritical thermal power plant, potentially creating 13,500 jobs. The Adani Group also plans to invest an additional 7,400 crore in Bihar across logistics, cement production, infrastructure, and smart meters, generating further employment opportunities.
Arvind Kejriwal anti-Dalit, hates Biharis and Purvanchalis: JDU leader Sanjay Jha
Kejriwal faced criticism from JD(U) for his stance on reservations and treatment of Biharis. JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha accused Kejriwal of being anti-reservation and anti-Dalit. Jha's comments followed a letter from Kejriwal to Nitish Kumar. Kejriwal's letter addressed Amit Shah's remarks on B.R. Ambedkar. Jha also raised concerns about the representation of Dalits and backward castes in AAP.
'Mai Bahan Maan Yojana' Sounds Like Abuse: Bihar Minister Sparks Row, RJD Hits Back
RJD strongly condemned minister Sumit Singhs statement and said it shows their mentality.
Begusarai minor killed during exchange of fire
BJP gears up to celebrate Vajpayee birth centenary
CM falls ill, cancels all engagements
Maruti Suzuki signs MoA with Bihar Govt Transport Dept
5 driving test tracks to be automated at Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia and Saran 2 driving test tracks automated by Maruti Suzuki at Aurangabad and Patna are already operational Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) for Two-wheeler (TW) and Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving license testing MSIL to increase the number of Automated Driving Test Tracks to 44 across the country, from the current 27 New Delhi : Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Transport Department, Government of Bihar to automate driving license test tracks at Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia and Saran. The MoA was signed in the presence of Smt. Sheela Kumari, Honble Transport Minister of Bihar and Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal (IAS), Secretary, Transport Department, Government of Bihar. The MoA was signed by Shri Navin Kumar (IAS), State Transport Commissioner, Government of Bihar and Shri Tarun Agarwal, Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Maruti Suzuki. With zero human intervention, the Automated Driving Test Tracks are aimed to make license testing more comprehensive, efficient, and transparent. The rigorous and standardized evaluation process is designed to assess candidates according to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). Test results are also automatically generated. Applauding Maruti Suzuki on its road safety efforts, Smt. Sheela Kumari, Honble Transport Minister of Bihar said, I applaud Maruti Suzuki, Indias leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, for their exemplary commitment to road safety through nationwide programs. One of their innovative initiatives, the Automated Driving Test Tracks, ensures that only skilled drivers get a driving license, making our roads safer for everyone. We successfully automated the driving test tracks in Aurangabad and Patna with them and have seen drivers coming better prepared for the license testing. We are glad to partner with Maruti Suzuki once again to develop five more Automated Driving Test Tracks in Bihar. This collaboration will significantly contribute toward reducing road accidents and promoting responsible driving practices in our state of Bihar. Mr. Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, Maruti Suzukis association with the Bihar government goes back to 2018 when we set up the states first Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) to offer driver training in Aurangabad. Since then, we have inaugurated ADTTs at Aurangabad in 2020 and Patna in 2021. We thank the Government of Bihar for further entrusting us with this road safety project. Maruti Suzuki has been steadfast in its commitment to the 5 pillars of road safety - engineering, education, evaluation, enforcement, and emergency care. Automated driving license testing is a vital component of the evaluation process. Equipped with high-definition cameras and an integrated IT system, ADTTs guarantee a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent testing process ensuring that only skilled drivers are awarded licenses. Mr. Bharti added, According to data shared by the Union Road Transport Ministry, 15.3 lakh lives were lost in road accidents in the 10 years between 2014-2023 in India. Road death rate in the country is around 250 per 10,000 km as opposed to 119 in China, 57 in the USA, and 11 in Australia. An important aspect of road safety is drivers skill and knowledge of traffic rules. Automated Driving Test Tracks will ensure that license seekers are better prepared and only skilled drivers are awarded a driving license. This will bring a positive transformation that will go a long way to reduce road accidents caused by human error. Maruti Suzuki Automated Driving Test Tracks across India Over the past years, Maruti Suzuki has systematically automated 27 driving test tracks (across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Haryana). The Company is in the process of setting up 12 additional ADTTs in Uttar Pradesh. With the addition of these 5 test tracks in Bihar, the Company will complete automation of 44 driving test tracks across the country.
EOU noose around exam racketeers
Organic farming need of hour: Buxar DM
Focus now on implementation of MoUs: Minister
Cong seeks Shahs apology over remarks on Ambedkar
Single-window clearance system in state stands out
K Lakshmi Cement to set up plant in Madhubani
Haldiram Snack to set up manufacturing plant in Bihta
Ashoka Buildcon to invest Rs 9k crore in green hydrogen plant
Govt to address specific needs of investors: Chief secy
Shree Cement to invest Rs 1,100cr to set up cement plant, solar power project
16-year-old girl crushed to death by pick-up van, 3 others injured in Bhojpur
Bihar gets record Rs 1.81 lakh crore investment; Adani, Sun Petchem big draws
Bihar RDPR team visits model GPs in Bidar
'British Left India Because They Saw Arms In People's Hands, Not Satyagraha': Bihar Governor
He was speaking at the A Brief History of Freedom Struggle in North East of India (1498 to 1947) book authored by Anandita Singh.
Bihar: 134 cops charged for taking documents, hindering 900 investigations
Muzaffarpur: More than 100 police officials have been slapped with cases in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar for taking away documents to their new places of posting, hampering investigation into over 900 cases, a senior officer said on Friday. According to Muzaffarpur Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar, FIRs have been lodged at eight police stations Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bihar: 134 cops booked in Muzaffarpur for `hampering investigations`
The officials, who have been booked under Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (criminal breach of trust by public servants), took up their new assignments five to 10 years ago, said sources
JD(U) backs Amit Shah, tells Arvind Kejriwal to learn from Nitish Kumar
The JD(U) claimed that Nitish Kumar has done a great deal for the Dalits and backward classes in Bihar by following in the footsteps of Dr. Ambedkar
Bihar seeks generous budget provisions
Nitish Kumar To Lead Charge In 2025 Bihar Assembly Polls: NDA
The ruling NDA in Bihar on Friday dismissed speculations that the coalition could do a rethink on projecting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as its leader in the assembly polls due next year.
Nitish to lead charge in 2025 Bihar assembly polls: NDA
Bihar's ruling NDA dismissed speculation about reconsidering Nitish Kumar's leadership for the 2025 assembly polls. State party presidents clarified Amit Shah's recent statement, affirming Kumar's continued leadership. They emphasized their focus on strengthening coordination at all levels for the upcoming elections.
Adani Group Eyes Energy Sector Opportunities In Bihar, Says Pranav Adani
Pranav Adani's remarks came after he announced at the Bihar Business Connect 2024 that Adani Group will be investing Rs 20,000 crore for an ultra-super critical thermal power plant in the state.
We Are Largest Private Investor In Bihar: Pranav Adani At 'Bihar Business Connect 2024'
Pranav Adani, the Managing Director of agro, oil and gas and Director of Adani Enterprises on Friday unveiled a massive Rs 27,900 crore investment plan for Bihar, with the potential of creating 53,500 jobs in the state.
GST Council to Revise Rates on Key Items
New Delhi: As the fifty-fifth goods and services tax (GST) council meeting is all set to take place in Jaisalmer on Saturday, the meeting chaired by union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to take a host of decision, including insurance premiums, food delivery, packaged water as well as lowering the GST burden on people-centric items among others. Besides, the GST Council may hike high-end consumer items such as watches, shoes and apparels and also consider a separate 35 per cent tax slab for sin goods as well. The Council, headed by Sitharaman and comprising state counterparts may discuss rate rejig in about 148 items, including the issues like bringing aviation turbine fuel (ATF), a major component for airline industrys operation cost, in the GST fold. Also, the GST rate is also proposed to be cut on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, to 5 per cent without input tax credit, from the current 18 per cent (with ITC), according to the sources. However, the fitment panel, comprising tax officers from the Centre and states, is likely to have proposed a rate hike to 18 per cent on sale of used electric vehicles (Evs) as well as small petrol and diesel vehicles to 18 per cent from the current 12 per cent. This hike would bring used and old smaller cars and EVs at par with old larger vehicles, the sources said. One of the major items on the agenda of the Council is to decide the GST rate on health and life insurance. Besides, GST on premiums paid by individuals, other than senior citizens, for health insurance with coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh is proposed to be exempted. However, 18 per cent GST will continue on premiums paid for policies with health insurance cover of over Rs 5 lakh. Another major item before the Council is the GST rate rationalisation panel's report, which has suggested rate tweaks in 148 items. Also, the group of ministers (GoM) on GST compensation cess is likely to get a six month extension till June, 2025, to submit their report. The compensation cess regime comes to an end in March, 2026, and the GST Council has set up a panel of ministers, under Union minister of state for finance Pankaj Chaudhary, to decide the future course of the cess. In the GST regime, compensation cess at varied rates is levied on luxury, sin and demerit goods over and above the 28 per cent tax. The proceeds from the cess, which was originally planned for five years after GST roll-out or till June 2022, was used to compensate states for revenue loss incurred by them post the introduction of GST. A GoM set up by the Council under Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, in its meeting in November had agreed on exempting insurance premiums paid for term life insurance policies from GST. Also premium paid by senior citizens towards health insurance cover has been proposed to be exempted from the tax. The GoM on GST rate rationalisation earlier this month decided to submit before the Council their recommendation to hike tax on sin goods, like aerated beverages, cigarettes, tobacco and related products, to 35 per cent from the present 28 per cent. The four-tier tax slab of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent under GST will continue and a new rate of 35 per cent is proposed by the GoM only for sin goods. The GoMs on rate rationalisation under Bihar deputy CM, also decided to propose rationalising tax rates on apparel. As per the decision, ready made garments costing up to Rs 1,500 would attract 5 per cent GST, those between Rs 1,500 to Rs 10,000 would attract 18 per cent.
